A KINGSWOOD nightclub has been banned from playing music after a High Court ruling.

The ban was imposed on the owners of Chasers in Regent Street in London yesterday.

Mrs Justice Proudman banned Norcrown Ltd from playing any more recorded music at the club until the company brings its music licences up to date.

The company was also ordered to pay £1,832 legal costs, which must be paid within 14 days.

The company faces the prospect of a heavy fine if the order were to be disobeyed, although the owner said last night that he would respect it until he had resolved the situation.

Failure to obey the order and stop the music until all licence fees are brought up to date would be regarded as contempt of court, the penalties for which can be fines of up to £10,000 and up to six months prison for any individuals responsible.

The order was imposed after the judge heard that the company was caught playing music on the premises when it did not hold a licence from music royalties collectors Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL).

Fiona Clark, counsel for PPL, told the judge that an inspector called at the premises on July 15 and heard tracks being played including songs by Jessie J, Dizzee Rascal and JLS.

The court was told that PPL's solicitors had sent letters to the premises explaining that the playing in public of sound recordings without PPL's licence or permission constituted infringement of copyright and invited it to acquire a licence.

Following its failure to do so, PPL's solicitors served notice of this claim on the company, the court heard.

The ban applies to all forms of mechanically recorded music such as records, tapes and CDs. Music licences can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds, depending on the size of the venue and the audiences involved.

PPL spokesperson Clare Goldie said: "PPL is the UK-based music licensing company which licenses recorded music for broadcast, online and public performance use. Established in 1934, PPL carries out this role on behalf of thousands of record company and performer members."

She said PPL licences were issued to thousands of businesses and organisations which play recorded music to their staff or customers.

Nightclub owner Matthew Sellars said he had no intention of flouting the law and was happy to pay the costs immediately.

He said the first he knew of the court hearing was when he was contacted by the Evening Post.

Mr Sellars said he would not be playing any music at the club this weekend.